By: Lindsay Zubek
Trust is at the heart of every relationship. It is the cornerstone of a solid marriage, lifelong friendship and the incredible bond between child and parent. We know this. We nurture it, care for it, and protect that trust at all costs. It is also easy to see what happens in a personal relationship when trust is lost. Marriages end, friendships fizzle, and relationships with family members are strained. If we care, and we often do, we do the hard work to maintain or build trust with our loved ones.
At work, no matter what your work is, the foundation of trust is no different. With it, relationships thrive, great ideas are born, growth flourishes, and the culture becomes one that others envy. Trust at work is complicated and difficult. Why? So many people don’t want to bring their personal life to work. They are uncomfortable sharing what they did on the weekend or letting their guard down and letting those around them in.
The Real Nature of Workplace Trust
Organizational research reveals that trust isn’t about sharing personal details but creating a reliable, transparent work environment. Through our work and research looking at hundreds of successful leaders, we have identified that trust fundamentally emerges from consistent behaviors that demonstrate competence, integrity, and genuine care for team members.
What Trust Really Looks Like
Trust is built through predictable, authentic interactions. It’s about doing what you say you’ll do, communicating clearly, and respecting your colleagues’ contributions. A leader who consistently follows through on commitments provides clear expectations, and treats team members fairly naturally cultivates trust.
Practical Trust-Building Strategies
- Be Consistent: Align your actions with your words. trust grows naturally when team members can predict your responses and know you’ll follow through.
- Communicate Transparently: Share relevant information about team goals, challenges, and progress. Transparency doesn’t mean oversharing personal details.
- Demonstrate Respect: Acknowledge team members’ contributions, listen actively, and create an environment where everyone feels valued.
- Follow Through: Consistently deliver on your promises and commitments. When people can rely on you to do what you say you’ll do, trust naturally follows.
The key for employees struggling with trust is to focus on professional interactions. Document your work, seek constructive feedback, and address concerns directly and professionally. Trust isn’t about becoming best friends—it’s about creating a reliable, respectful working relationship.
Remember, building trust is a two-way street. Whether you’re a leader or an employee, focus on being reliable, consistent, and professional in your interactions. By doing so, you can create an environment of trust without compromising your personal boundaries or sharing information you’re uncomfortable with.
Trust in the workplace isn’t built overnight, but with conscious effort and the right strategies, it can become the foundation of a thriving, productive work culture.
